Glossary
Zone Skipping
Tags: Glossary
For shipments via the US Postal Service, depositing mail at a facility one or more zones closer to the destination is an option. This option would benefit customers operating in close proximity to a zone border or shipping sufficient volumes to offset additional transportation costs. It can also be used with UPS/FedEx, but these companies tend to work with carriers to do a truckload shipment into a zone and use UPS to do the last mile delivery, reducing lead time and cost.
What is Zone Skipping?
Zone skipping is a logistics strategy that involves depositing shipments at a facility closer to the destination zone, rather than sending them directly from the origin zone. This approach is commonly used when shipping via the US Postal Service, but can also be employed with other carriers such as UPS and FedEx.
The primary advantage of zone skipping is the potential for cost savings and reduced lead time. By depositing mail or packages at a facility one or more zones closer to the destination, customers can benefit from lower transportation costs. This is particularly beneficial for businesses operating in close proximity to a zone border, as they can take advantage of the shorter distance to the destination and potentially save on shipping expenses.
Moreover, zone skipping can be advantageous for customers who ship sufficient volumes to offset the additional transportation costs. By consolidating multiple shipments into a single truckload, businesses can achieve economies of scale and reduce the overall cost per unit. This is especially relevant for companies that regularly ship large quantities of goods.
While zone skipping is commonly associated with the US Postal Service, it can also be utilized with UPS and FedEx. However, these companies typically collaborate with carriers to execute a truckload shipment into a specific zone. Once the shipments reach the designated zone, UPS or FedEx takes over the last mile delivery, ensuring efficient and timely delivery to the final destination. This collaborative approach helps to streamline the logistics process, reduce lead time, and optimize costs.
In conclusion, zone skipping is a logistics strategy that involves depositing shipments at a facility closer to the destination zone. This approach offers potential cost savings and reduced lead time, making it an attractive option for businesses operating near zone borders or shipping large volumes of goods. Whether utilizing the US Postal Service or collaborating with UPS and FedEx, zone skipping can help optimize logistics operations and enhance customer satisfaction.